System and method of communication protocols in communication systems

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for implementing and designing protocols in such communications systems which can be wireless or wired. The systems and methods can include fundamental changes in the traditional protocol design approaches with their constraints of one-to-one mapping in protocols. By doing so, embodiments of the present invention enable an efficient way to design and implement a system to support single or multiple protocols.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S.provisional patent application No. 61/047,050 filed Apr. 22, 2008, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

RELATED ART

In many communication systems, a device that supports one communicationstandard, or air interface in the case of wireless communications, (werefer to as “single mode” hereafter) consists of one set ofcommunication protocol layers. For example, one set of communicationprotocol layers can include one physical layer (PHY) 110, one data linklayer 120 (including a logical link control sublayer or module and amedia access control (MAC) sublayer or module), one network layer 130,one transport layer 140, and one or more applications represented byblock 150, as shown in FIG. 1. The PHY or PHY module of thecommunication device converts the data of interest into a physicalsignal which it then transmits. The data link layer or module isresponsible for functions relating to transferring data between adjacentnetwork nodes in a network. The logical link control sublayer providesmultiplexing and flow control mechanisms. The MAC sublayer providesaddressing and channel access control that permit several devices tocommunicate within a multipoint network. The network layer or module isresponsible for end to end (source to destination) packet delivery,including routing. This layer can implement the functional andprocedural means of transferring variable length data sequences from asource to a destination via one or more networks while maintaining thequality of service and error control functions.

The traditional design for such devices maps each layer to another layerone to one. For example, the data layer link is one to one mapped to onePHY layer. The lower layer provides services (e.g. protocol data unitstransmission and reception) to its upper layer by implementing a serviceaccess point (SAP). This is also illustrated in FIG. 1.

As an example, FIG. 2 illustrates a universal mobile telecommunicationssystem (UMTS) user plane protocol as peers. FIG. 2 shows the protocolstacks of the user equipment (UE) 210 and the user equipment basestation (Node B) 220.

A device that supports more than one communication standard or airinterfaces (we refer to as “multi-mode” hereafter) usually consists ofmultiple sets of protocol layers. Each of the protocol layer stacks isoperated independently from the other protocol stacks. Each of thelayers in each of the protocol stacks are also one to one mapped,similar to the single mode case. This is illustrated in FIG. 3 whichdepicts three communication devices 310, 320 and 330. Devices 310 and330 are single mode devices and device 320 is a multi-mode device.

The above approaches do not address the following issues, especially formulti-mode devices:

-   -   1. Flexibility to support different configurations of single or        multi-mode;    -   2. Re-configurability using the same protocol software or        hardware;    -   3. Potential savings in implementation via re-use among        different protocols;    -   4. Ease of adding new standards by decoupling the different        layers as well as hardware and software implementation; and    -   5. Efficiency in managing different standards to reduce or avoid        interference in radio frequency (RF) frequencies.

There have been some efforts to coordinate between two independentlyoperated protocols in order to support multi-mode as required by certainstandards such as dual-mode GSM and UMTS. A typical implementation isshown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4 a dual mode UE 410 and a base station (NodeB) are depicted with the communication between the layers of their twoprotocol stacks depicted diagrammatically. However, such implementationsare usually still a one to one mapping of the signaling layers to PHY.Additionally, such configurations still do not address most of theissues stated above.

There also have been some efforts relating to coordinating between twoindependently operated protocols in order to overcome problems such asinterference between two standards operating on the same frequency orfrequencies close to each other. A typical implementation is shown inFIG. 5 where a communication device 510 having two independentlyoperated protocols stacks 520 and 530 is depicted with coordinationbetween the stacks being depicted diagrammatically. The implementationstill uses independently operated protocols with one to one mappingwithin each mode. Therefore, they cannot address most of the issuesstated above.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein provide for communication devices, systemsand methods wherein more than one communication protocol is implementedand all of the layers of the protocol stack are not mapped one to one.

In one aspect a multimode communication device includes a first networklayer configured to route data between nodes on a network according to afirst network layer protocol. A first data link layer is incommunication with the first network layer and transmitts data to andfrom the first network layer and routs said data between adjacent nodeson the network according to a first data link layer protocol. A secondnetwork layer is configured to route data between nodes on the networkaccording to a second network layer protocol. A second data link layeris in communication with the second network layer and transmits data toand from the second network layer and routes said data between adjacentnodes on the network according to a second data link layer protocol.Additionally, a physical layer is configured to transform data receivedfrom the first data link layer into signals for transmission andtransmit the signals, to transform data received from the second datalink layer into signals for transmission and transmit the signals, toreceive signals from the network, convert the received signals into dataand identify whether the data should be provided to the first data linklayer or the second data link layer.

In a further aspect the physical layer includes a first service accesspoint for communicating with the first data link layer and a secondservice access point for communicating with the second data link layer;wherein the first service access point and the second service accesspoint coordinate access the resources of the physical layer between thefirst data link layer and the second data link layer.

In another aspect a multimode communication device includes a networklayer to route data between nodes on a network according to a networklayer protocol. A data link layer is in communication with the networklayer, transmits data to and from the first network layer and routessaid data between adjacent nodes on the network according to a firstdata link layer protocol. a first physical layer is configured totransform data received from the data link layer into signals fortransmission according to a first physical layer protocol, to receivesignals from the first network connection and convert the receivedsignals into data, and to provide the data from the received signals tothe data link layer. A second physical layer is configured to transformdata received from the data link layer into signals for transmissionaccording to a second physical layer protocol, to receive signals fromthe second network connection and convert the received signals intodata, and to provide the data from the received signals to the data linklayer.

In a further aspect the first physical layer further includes a firstservice access point for communicating with the first data link layerand the second physical layer further comprises a second service accesspoint for communicating with the data link layer; wherein the firstservice access point and the second service access point coordinateaccess the resources of the physical layer between the first data linklayer and the second data link layer.

In a further aspect a multimode communication device includes a firstnetwork layer configured to route data between nodes on a networkaccording to a first network layer protocol. A first logical linkcontrol layer is in communication with the first network layer fortransmitting data to and from the first network layer and providing dataflow control. A second network layer is configured to route data betweennodes on the network according to a second network layer protocol. Asecond logical link control layer is in communication with the firstnetwork layer and transmits data to and from the first network layer andprovides data flow control. A media access control layer provideschannel access control and transmits data to and from the first logicallink control layer and the second logical link control layer. A physicallayer is configured to transform data received from the media accesscontrol layer into signals for transmission and transmit the signals, toreceive signals from the network, convert the received signals into dataand provide the data to the media access control layer.

In a further aspect the media access control layer comprises a firstservice access point for communicating with the first logical linkcontrol layer and a second service access point for communicating withthe second logical link control layer; wherein the first service accesspoint and the second service access point coordinate access theresources of the media access control layer between the first logicallink control layer and the second logical link control layer.

In a another aspect a multiple physical layer communication systemincludes a network layer providing a communication interface to at leastone application; a data link layer in communication with the firstnetwork layer and transmitting data to and from the first network layerand routing said data between adjacent nodes on the network according toa data link layer protocol. An entity management module includes anetwork unified application program interface (Network UAPI) to providecommunication between the network layer and the data link layer, a datalink layer unified application program interface (DLL UAPI) providingcommunication between the data link layer and a first physical layer anda second physical layer and wherein, the entity management moduleconfigured to request an amount of network data from network layer viathe Network UAPI according to the needs of the first and second physicallayers, deliver data received from the network layer to the data linklayer through the plurality of input/output ports of the data linklayer, deliver data received from the plurality of input/output ports ofthe data link layer to the first physical layer and the second physicallayer via the DLL UAPI, receive data from the first physical layer andthe second physical layer deliver the received data to the data linklayer, deliver data received from the to the network layer via theNetwork UAPI.

In another aspect a multiple data link layer communication systemincludes a network layer providing a communication interface to at leastone application; a first data link layer in communication with thenetwork layer and transmitting data to and from the network layer androuting said data between adjacent nodes on the network according to afirst data link layer protocol; a second data link layer incommunication with the network layer and transmitting data to and fromthe network layer and routing said data between adjacent nodes on thenetwork according to a second data link layer protocol; an entitymanagement module comprising a network unified application programinterface (Network UAPI) to provide communication between the networklayer and the first data link layer and to provide communication betweenthe network layer and the second data link layer, a physical layerunified application program interface (PHY UAPI) providing communicationbetween the first data link layer and a physical layer and the seconddata link layer and the physical layer. The entity management module isconfigured to determine which data link layer to deliver data receivedfrom the network layer and deliver it, deliver data received from thefirst data link layer and the second data link layer to the physicallayer via the PHY UAPI, receive data from the physical layer, determinewhich data link layer it should be delivered to and deliver.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become morereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewingthe following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of the present invention, both as to its structure andoperation, may be gleaned in part by study of the accompanying drawings,in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a protocol stack in a communication device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the user plane protocols of the userequipment (UE) and a base station (Node B) in a universal mobiletelecommunications system (UMTS).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an implementation of protocol stacks in amulti-mode communication system with the multi-mode device in themiddle.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the protocol stack of a dual mode GSM andUMTS UE device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the protocol stack of a dual mode device.

FIGS. 6( a)-(c) are block diagrams of examples of dual modecommunication devices with in which protocol layers are not all mappedone to one.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the protocol layers of a communicationdevice having two PHYs.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a multi-mode device communication devicehaving an entity management module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

After reading this description, it will become apparent to one skilledin the art how to implement the invention in various alternativeembodiments and alternative applications. The following description setsforth numerous specific details, such as examples of specific systems,components and methods in order to provide a good understanding ofseveral embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to oneskilled in the art, however, that at least some embodiments of thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known components or methods are not described indetail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Particularimplementations may vary from these exemplary details and still becontemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Rapid developments in communication systems, especially wirelesscommunication systems, have lead to the situation where a large numberof systems with different protocols have to co-exist and to communicatewith each other efficiently. Embodiments of the invention describedherein include systems and methods for implementing and designingprotocols in such communications systems which can be wireless or wired.The systems and methods can include fundamental changes in thetraditional protocol design approaches with their constraints ofone-to-one mapping in protocols. By doing so, embodiments of the presentinvention enable an efficient way to design and implement a system tosupport single or multiple protocols.

Each of the embodiments described herein can be implemented as a wiredor wireless communication device such as an access point, a basestation, a mobile device, or other communication device. Each suchcommunication device includes the standard components or elements ofsuch a device as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art andwhich therefore are described in detail herein. In the example of awireless communication device, such elements can include an antenna orantenna system coupled to the up converter or analog portion of a modemwhich is coupled to the baseband portion of the modem which is coupledto the described PHYs. Those elements can transmit the digitalinformation from the PHY as a radio wave or signal. The combination ofthe PHY, the baseband portion and the analog portion are generallyreferred to as the modem. In most embodiments the communication systemsdescribed below operate in the same manner as those described aboveexcept as noted.

In one embodiment the system and method decouple the PHY, Data LinkLayer, Network Layer, and other protocol layers in a communicationsystem so that one layer does not have to be mapped uniquely to anotherlayer in the same system. The protocol layers can also be referred to asmodules and in some usage herein the term layer and module is omittedfor ease of description. In one example, one PHY can support two or moredifferent data link layers, such as MACs (media access control), viadifferent SAPs. FIG. 6( a) shows the example of a communication devicehaving two network layers and two data link layers (i.e. logical linkcontrol sub-layer and MAC sub-layer) and a single PHY. The PHY in thisexample includes a SAP (SAP1 and SAP2) for each MAC (MAC1 and MAC2) thePHY supports. SAP1 and SAP2 coordinate with each other for the availablePHY resources to provide PHY services to MAC1 and MAC2 respectively.MAC1 and MAC2 can each implement a different MAC protocol while the PHYcan implement a single PHY protocol. The PHY resource coordinationbetween SAP1 and SAP2 includes Protocol Data Unit (PDU) routing, receiveand transmit slot allocation, etc. The functionality of PHY resourcecoordination can be implemented in either SAP1, SAP2 or shared betweenthe SAPs. The introduction of the second SAP and the coordinationbetween SAP1 and SAP2 allow protocol stack 1 (network layer1, logicallink control 1 and MAC1) and protocol stack 2 (network layer2, logicallink control 2 and MAC2) to operate independently and to utilize asingle PHY. In one embodiment SAP1 and SAP2 coordinate with each otheron the available PHY resource to transmit and receive PDU for both MACs.On PDU transmission, the PHY resource can be provided to the MACs in around-robin fashion, such that each MAC gets its chance to transmitalternately. The SAPs can also be configured to receive the PHY resourceon a first-come-first-serve basis or using another fairness algorithm.On PDU receiving at the PHY, the SAPs have to make sure the PDUs areproperly identified and delivered to the intended MACs correctly.

In another example communication device shown in FIG. 6( b), one datalink layer can support two physical layers. In this example SAP1 andSAP2 of the two PHYs coordinate with each other to provide physicallayer services to the MAC. The network layer and the logical linkcontrol layer can operate as if there is just one physical layer. TheMAC can access the PHY services via SAP1 and SAP2 in parallel to achievehigher data throughput. Alternatively, the MAC can choose to use the PHYservices from one of the two physical layers that provides betterquality of service. In one embodiment the PHYs provide measurementreports such as signal to noise ratio, bit error rate and block errorrate to the MAC. The MAC derives the QoS from the measurement reportsand the MAC layer ACK/NACK. The MAC can then use that information toselect a PHY.

FIG. 6( c) shows the example of a communication device with one physicallayer, one MAC sub-layer and 2 logical link control sub-layers. Thesingle MAC provides MAC services to logical link control 1 and logicallink control 2 via SAP1 and SAP2 respectively. SAP1 and SAP2 coordinatewith each other for MAC resources that can be made available to logicallink control 1 and logical link control 2. Protocol stack 1 (networklayer 1 and logical link 1) and protocol stack 2 (network layer 2 andlogical control 2) can operate independently without the knowledge ofeach other. As should be clear from the foregoing examples, it ispossible to have different combinations of numbers of different layersor sub-layers via different SAPs.

Though the description of each of the embodiments of communicationdevices depicted in the functional block diagrams of FIGS. 6( a)-(c)include specific examples of some layers being a single entity (e.g.,one MAC layer in FIGS. 6( b) and (c)) and other layers being twoentities (e.g., two network layers in FIG. 6( a)), it should be apparentto those of skill in the art that the invention encompasses variouscombinations of single entity layers and multiple entity layers(including multiple entity layers with more than two entities (e.g.,three four or more MACs) communicating and coordinating with each otheraccording to the principles described herein.

In a further embodiment the PHY, Data Link Layer (DLL), Network Layer,and other protocol layers of a communication device are decoupled sothat one layer does not have to mapped uniquely to another layer in thesame device. In one example, this is accomplished by using an additionalentity management module. In one example, in a single mode device, onelayer in the protocol can be mapped to one or multiple other layers inthe same protocol. However, by using an additional entity managementsystem or method, the mappings are transparent to each protocol layer.As a result, the operation of this device complies with the operationsdefined by the standard.

In one example, one DLL (e.g., comprising the logical link control sublayer and media access control sub layer) can be mapped to multiplePHYs. By moving the service access points (or their functionality) tothe entity management module, the mappings can be transparent to eachprotocol layers. For example, each PHY is only aware of one DLL and viseversa. By doing so, the device can behave like a standard compliantdevice to its own protocol as well as to other communication devicesassociated with this device. In the meantime, it can achieve objectivessuch as increasing the data rate. Though the following embodimentsdescribed in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8 have specific variations inthe number of PHY layers, and data link layers, the inventionencompasses other combinations of elements of layers (e.g., one elementin each layer, multiple network layers, multiple MAC layers and othercombinations) with the functions of the service access points beingaccomplished by an entity management module according to the principlesdescribed herein.

As shown in the communication device depicted in FIG. 7, the entitymanagement module 710 can provide a single service access point (NetworkSAP) between the network layer 720 and the DLL 730 with a unifiedapplication program interface (Network UAPI). In addition, the entitymanagement module provides a single service access point (DLL SAP)between the DLL and the two PHYs 740 and 750 with a unified applicationprogram interface (DLL UAPI). In one embodiment the DLL can handlemultiple independent I/O ports for the transmission and reception of thenetwork Protocol Data Units (PDUs), such that the entity managementmodule can open and close the DLL I/O ports and map them to the activePHYs of the device. The entity management module can include thefollowing functions to save the DLL from knowing the actual number ofPHYs supported by the apparatus and having to manage them.

-   -   1. Open DLL I/O ports    -   2. Close DLL I/O ports    -   3. Open PHY I/O ports    -   4. Close PHY I/O ports    -   5. Open PHY signal ports    -   6. Close PHY signal ports    -   7. Request network PDUs for transmission    -   8. Deliver network PDUs upon reception    -   9. Request DLL PDUs for transmission    -   10. Deliver DLL PDUs upon reception    -   11. Deliver PHY signals to DLL.

The DLL I/O port open function provides the network layer a programminginterface to open a DLL I/O port to send and receive network PDUs to andfrom the DLL. The protocol parameters related to the DLL and network I/Obuffer information (e.g. buffer location and buffer size) are passed tothe entity management module via the port open programming interface forport mapping (i.e. mapping DLL I/O port to PHY I/O port) and PDUrouting. The DLL I/O port close function provides the network layer aprogramming interface to close a DLL I/O port. Protocol parameters andI/O buffer information associated with the port will be erased as aresult of the I/O port close action. The PHY I/O port open functionprovides the DLL a programming interface to open a PHY I/O port to sendand receive DLL PDUs to and from the PHY. The protocol parametersrelated to PHY and DLL I/O buffer information are passed to the entitymanagement module via the port open programming interface. The entitymanagement module completes the port mapping between the DLL and PHY I/Oports upon the execution of the PHY I/O port open. The PHY I/O portclose function provides a programming interface to the DLL to close aPHY I/O port. Protocol parameters and I/O buffer information associatedwith the port will be erased as a result of the I/O port close action.The PHY signal port open function provides the DLL a programminginterface to open a signal port to send configuration signals to PHY andreceive status and measurement report from PHY. The PHY signal portclose function provides the DLL a programming interface to close a PHYsignal port. The network PDU request and DLL PDU request functions areto facilitate the network PDU transmission. The PHY initiates the PDUtransmission by requesting DLL PDUs via the entity management module.The request is relayed to the DLL. The DLL sends the PDUs to the PHY viathe PHY I/O port in response to the request. In addition, the DLL sendsnetwork PDU request via the entity management module. The network layersends the PDUs to the DLL via the DLL PHY I/O port in response to therequest. On PDU receiving, the PHY sends the received PDUs to the DLLvia the DLL I/O port. In turn, the DLL send the received the PDUs to thenetwork layer via DLL I/O port.

In one embodiment, the apparatus communicates with its peers (othercommunication devices) through signaling to determine whether its peersare capable of transmitting and/or receiving data at increased datarates (e.g., using both PHYs). The entity management module canconfigure the protocol layers (e.g. opening I/O ports) for exchangingdata with its peers at increased data rates according to the signalingresults. The management module can configure the protocol layers suchthat the apparatus can exchange data with its peers at increased datarates on the transmit link only, on the receive link only or on bothtransmit and receive links.

During the network PDU transmission operation, the entity managementmodule requests the amount of network PDUs from the network layeraccording to the needs of the active PHYs of the apparatus. The entitymanagement module delivers the PDUs to the DLL through the DLL I/Oports. The DLL performs the protocol compliant functions (e.g.multiplexing, ciphering) on each I/O port independently. Uponcompletion, the DLL delivers the DLL PDUs to the entity managementmodule per DLL I/O port. The entity management module delivers the DLLPDUs to the corresponding PHY I/O ports.

During the reception operation, the PHYs deliver the received DLL PDUsto the entity management module via a predetermined I/O port. The entitymanagement module delivers the DLL PDUs to the DLL through theappropriate DLL I/O port. The entity management moduletracks/coordinates the mapping of PDUs to ports and PHY ports to DLLports. Upon receiving the PDUs, the DLL performs the protocol compliantfunctions (e.g. de multiplexing, de ciphering) on the PDUs of each I/Oport independently. Upon completion, the DLL deliver the network PDUs tothe entity management module per I/O port. The entity management moduledelivers the network PDUs to the network layer.

In a multi-mode device, one layer in the protocol can be mapped to oneor multiple other layers in the same or different protocols. However, bymoving the services access points to the entity management module, themappings are transparent to each protocol layer. As a result, theoperation of this device complies with the operations defined by thestandard.

In one example communication device shown in FIG. 8, two different DLLs(DLL1 and DLL2) are mapped to one network layer and one PHY. By using anentity management module and method, the mappings are transparent toeach protocol layer. In this example the network layer accesses the DLLthrough a single service access point provided by the entity managementmodule and the PHY still provides a single service access point (notshown). The device can behave in a manner that complies with a standardinternally as well as externally to other communication devicesassociated with this device. In the meantime, it can achieve objectivessuch as reuse of the PHY for two different standards.

The entity management module can be implemented such that it provides asingle access point (Network SAP) between the network layer and the DLLswith a unified application program interface (Network UAPI) and a singleservice access point (PHY SAP) between the DLLs and the PHY with aunified application program interface (PHY UAPI). The entity managementmodule can include the following functions to save the PHY from knowingthat the existence of multiple DLLs and having to manage thatcomplexity.

-   -   1. Open DLL I/O ports    -   2. Close DLL I/O ports    -   3. Open PHY I/O ports    -   4. Close PHY I/O ports    -   5. Open PHY signal ports    -   6. Close PHY signal ports    -   7. Request network PDUs for transmission    -   8. Deliver network PDUs upon reception    -   9. Request DLL PDUs for transmission    -   10. Deliver DLL PDUs upon reception    -   11. Deliver PHY signals to DLL.

In one embodiment, the apparatus communicates with its peers throughsignaling to determine whether its peers are single mode or multi-modedevices. For example, the entity management module can initiate a devicetype/category request to its peer. The peer sends device type/categoryconfirmation in response to the request. The entity management modulecan configure the protocol layers (e.g. opening I/O ports) forexchanging data with its peers according to the signaling results. Theentity management module can configure the protocol layers such that theapparatus can exchange data with a single-mode device, a multi-modedevice on the transmit link, a multi-mode device on the receive link ora multi-mode device on both transmit and receive links.

During the DLL transmission operation, the entity management modulerequests network PDUs from network layer request handler. The entitymanagement module delivers the PDUs to the scheduled active DLL throughthe DLL I/O port previously opened by the entity management module. TheDLL performs the protocol compliant functions (e.g. multiplexingciphering) on the PDUs. Upon completion, the DLL delivers the DLL PDUsto the entity management module through the DLL UAPI. The entitymanagement module delivers the DLL PDUs to the PHY through the PHY I/Oports for transmission.

During the reception operation, the PHY delivers the received DLL PDUsto the entity management module through the PHY UAPI. The entitymanagement module delivers the DLL PDUs to the intended DLL receivehandler according to the mapping. Upon receiving the PDUs, the DLLperforms the protocol compliant functions (e.g. de multiplexing, deciphering) on the PDUs. Upon completion, the DLL delivers the networkPDUs to the entity management module through the DLL UAPI. The entitymanagement module delivers the network PDUs to the network layer throughnetwork receive handler. It is possible to have different combinationsof the number of different layers or sub-layers via different SAPs(functionality) provided by the entity management module.

A further embodiment includes an entity management method and systemthat has the intelligence about the mappings in the entire protocol sothat it provides SAPs (functionality) to different protocol layers basedon the mappings and makes the none-one-to-one mappings transparent tothe protocols involved as well as to other communication devicesassociated with this device. Such a system and method can comply withthe standard defined protocol operations.

An additional embodiment includes an entity management method and systemthat has the intelligence about the mappings in the entire protocol sothat it provides SAPs (functionality) to different protocol layers andmakes one protocol behave like more than one device. This can betransparent to the protocols involved as well as to other communicationdevices associated with this device. The system and method can complywith the standard defined protocol operations.

Various illustrative implementations of the present invention have beendescribed. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will see thatadditional implementations are also possible and within the scope of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to only thoseimplementations described above. Those of skill in the art willappreciate that the various illustrative modules and method stepsdescribed in connection with the above described figures and theimplementations disclosed herein can often be implemented as electronichardware, software, firmware or combinations of the foregoing. Toclearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software,various illustrative modules and method steps have been described abovegenerally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality isimplemented as hardware or software depends upon the particularapplication and design constraints imposed on the overall system.Skilled persons can implement the described functionality in varyingways for each particular application, but such implementation decisionsshould not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of theinvention. In addition, the grouping of functions within a module orstep is for ease of description. Specific functions can be moved fromone module or step to another without departing from the invention.

Moreover, the various illustrative modules and method steps described inconnection with the implementations disclosed herein can be implementedor performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signalprocessor (“DSP”), an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”),a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”) or other programmable logicdevice, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components,or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions describedherein. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor can be any processor, controller, ormicrocontroller. A processor can also be implemented as a combination ofcomputing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and amicroprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or moremicroprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

Additionally, the steps of a method or algorithm described in connectionwith the implementations disclosed herein can be embodied directly inhardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in acombination of the two. A software module can reside in computer ormachine readable storage media such as RAM memory, flash memory, ROMmemory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removabledisk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium including a networkstorage medium. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to theprocessor such that the processor can read information from, and writeinformation to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storagemedium can be integral to the processor. The processor and the storagemedium can also reside in an ASIC.

The above description of the disclosed implementations is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention.Various modifications to these implementations will be readily apparentto those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described hereincan be applied to other implementations without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that thedescription and drawings presented herein represent exampleimplementations of the invention and are therefore representative of thesubject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention.It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fullyencompasses other implementations and that the scope of the presentinvention is accordingly limited by nothing other than the appendedclaims.

1. A multimode communication device comprising: a first network layerconfigured to route data between nodes on a network according to a firstnetwork layer protocol; a first data link layer in communication withthe first network layer and transmitting data to and from the firstnetwork layer and routing said data between adjacent nodes on thenetwork according to a first data link layer protocol; a second networklayer configured to route data between nodes on the network according toa second network layer protocol; a second data link layer incommunication with the second network layer and transmitting data to andfrom the second network layer and routing said data between adjacentnodes on the network according to a second data link layer protocol; anda physical layer configured to transform data received from the firstdata link layer into signals for transmission and transmit the signals,to transform data received from the second data link layer into signalsfor transmission and transmit the signals, to receive signals from thenetwork, convert the received signals into data and identify whether thedata should be provided to the first data link layer or the second datalink layer.
 2. The multimode communication device of claim 1 wherein thephysical layer comprises a first service access point for communicatingwith the first data link layer and a second service access point forcommunicating with the second data link layer wherein the first serviceaccess point and the second service access point coordinate access theresources of the physical layer between the first data link layer andthe second data link layer.
 3. A multimode communication devicecomprising: a network layer to route data between nodes on a networkaccording to a network layer protocol; a data link layer incommunication with the network layer, transmitting data to and from thefirst network layer and routing said data between adjacent nodes on thenetwork according to a first data link layer protocol; a first physicallayer configured to transform data received from the data link layerinto signals for transmission according to a first physical layerprotocol, to receive signals from the first network connection andconvert the received signals into data, to provide the data from thereceived signals to the data link layer; and a second physical layerconfigured to transform data received from the data link layer intosignals for transmission according to a second physical layer protocol,to receive signals from the second network connection and convert thereceived signals into data, to provide the data from the receivedsignals to the data link layer.
 4. The multimode communication device ofclaim 3 wherein the first physical layer further comprises a firstservice access point for communicating with the first data link layerand the second physical layer further comprises a second service accesspoint for communicating with the data link layer; wherein the firstservice access point and the second service access point coordinateaccess between first physical layer, the second physical layer and thedata link layer.
 5. A multimode communication device comprising: a firstnetwork layer configured to route data between nodes on a networkaccording to a first network layer protocol; a first logical linkcontrol layer in communication with the first network layer andtransmitting data to and from the first network layer and providing dataflow control; a second network layer configured to route data betweennodes on the network according to a second network layer protocol; asecond logical link control layer in communication with the firstnetwork layer and transmitting data to and from the first network layerand providing data flow control; a media access control layer providingchannel access control and transmitting data to and from the firstlogical link control layer and the second logical link control layer; aphysical layer configured to transform data received from the mediaaccess control layer into signals for transmission and transmit thesignals, to receive signals from the network, convert the receivedsignals into data and provide the data to the media access controllayer.
 6. The multimode communication device of claim 4 wherein themedia access control layer comprises a first service access point forcommunicating with the first logical link control layer and a secondservice access point for communicating with the second logical linkcontrol layer wherein the first service access point and the secondservice access point coordinate access the resources of the media accesscontrol layer between the first logical link control layer and thesecond logical link control layer.
 7. A multiple physical layercommunication system comprising: a network layer providing acommunication interface to at least one application; a data link layerin communication with the first network layer and transmitting data toand from the first network layer and routing said data between adjacentnodes on the network according to a data link layer protocol; an entitymanagement module comprising a network unified application programinterface (Network UAPI) to provide communication between the networklayer and the data link layer, a data link layer unified applicationprogram interface (DLL UAPI) providing communication between the datalink layer and a first physical layer and a second physical layer, theentity management module configured to request an amount of network datafrom network layer via the Network UAPI according to the needs of thefirst and second physical layers, deliver data received from the networklayer to the data link layer through the plurality of input/output portsof the data link layer, deliver data received from the plurality ofinput/output ports of the data link layer to the first physical layerand the second physical layer via the DLL UAPI, receive data from thefirst physical layer and the second physical layer deliver the receiveddata to the data link layer, deliver data received from the to thenetwork layer via the Network UAPI.
 8. A multiple data link layercommunication system comprising: a network layer providing acommunication interface to at least one application; a first data linklayer in communication with the network layer and transmitting data toand from the network layer and routing said data between adjacent nodeson the network according to a first data link layer protocol; a seconddata link layer in communication with the network layer and transmittingdata to and from the network layer and routing said data betweenadjacent nodes on the network according to a second data link layerprotocol; an entity management module comprising a network unifiedapplication program interface (Network UAPI) to provide communicationbetween the network layer and the first data link layer and to providecommunication between the network layer and the second data link layer,a physical layer unified application program interface (PHY UAPI)providing communication between the first data link layer and a physicallayer and the second data link layer and the physical layer, the entitymanagement module configured to determine which data link layer todeliver data received from the network layer and deliver it, deliverdata received from the first data link layer and the second data linklayer to the physical layer via the PHY UAPI, receive data from thephysical layer, determine which data link layer it should be deliveredto and deliver.